I have a tip that explains imaging of the hard drive.

I only back up my personal files at home. In the office, we back up our work. We do not back up Windows or applications.

As for moving Windows to a new computer, you can do that. The problem is reactivation.

Sometimes Windows can be reactivated, and sometimes it cannot. If it cannot, Windows dies after 30 days.

A retail, boxed version of Windows can be reactivated on another computer. Who buys the retail version? A few geeks, who use the retail version on a homebuilt box. Everybody else buys Windows pre-installed on their computers. That version cannot be moved. That is a cheaper OEM (original equipment manufacturer) product. It's valid only on the original computer.

When Windows is activated, it makes a record of the computer's hardware. Change enough of it and you have to reactivate. That really shouldn't be a problem for either product.

However, after activation, Windows continues to check the equipment. If you move Windows, you presumably get all new equipment. The retail version should have no problem. But the OEM version would be blocked.